Lib Dems support Pantiles traders

3.30.57pm GMT Thu 3rd Mar 2005

David Neve, "The Pantiles traders were unaware of the cuts"

Liberal Democrat Borough Councillors this week criticised the Tory run Cabinet for slashing grants which were destined to improve business prospects in the Town.

Cllr David Neve said, "At the Cabinet meeting these cuts were cleverly hidden as "reduction in non-priority services." He put forward the a proposal at the full Council meeting this week to retain the grants to support the economic vitality of the Pantiles but was voted down by the Tory group.

"I wanted the Council to keep £64,000, which it planned to cut, which would have helped with running and marketing events in the Pantiles thus bringing in shoppers and tourists. It would also have restored the good faith that the Council had started to build up with the Pantiles traders, notwithstanding the benefits to the local economy."

A report to the Cabinet highlighted that cancellation of events would not be popular with the Pantile traders, who were not even consulted. In addition the Cabinet proposed cutting the budget for the "Britain in Bloom" event from £15,000 to zero, which was also passed by Council.

David added, "One of the visions of the Council is to maintain a range of leisure, sporting, cultural and educational activities accessible to the community. These cuts will not help fulfil that vision."